Picking Out Your First Ukulele

You want to learn the ukulele, but you don’t know where to start. There are 4 main sizes of ukulele. They are constructed from a variety of wood, and there are several brands to choose from. With a little research you can find the right beginner ukulele for you.

The 4 Main Ukulele Sizes: 

Soprano
This size is the one that sounds the most like the ukulele sound you’ve heard a bunch of times. It is about 21 inches in overall length, making it ideal for smaller kids. This is probably the most common and the one that people usually think of when they think of a ukulele. It uses the G-C-E-A standard tuning.

Concert
This is one step larger than the soprano, approx 23 inches in overall length. The body is bigger and the neck is longer, so the space between the frets is bigger, which means that it is a little easier to play and handle for adults. It also has that typical ukulele sound, but is a little louder because it’s bigger. It uses the G-C-E-A standard tuning.

Tenor
This is one step bigger than the concert and is becoming the most popular size to buy. This is the size that I own, and I feel comfortable as a guitar player going from the guitar to the tenor ukulele. It is approx. 26 inches in overall length. It strays a little bit from the ukulele sound and sounds a little deeper, like a classical guitar. It uses the G-C-E-A standard tuning. Its roomier fingerboard can accommodate larger hands more easily.

Baritone
30 inches in overall length, this ukulele has a deep tone and sounds more like a stringed classical guitar. Though not that popular because of its size and guitar-like sound, it does work great in a ukulele band or orchestra. The tuning is different from the other sizes, it uses D-G-B-E non-standard tuning.

Types of wood

Koa – Most ukuleles come from Hawaii and use the Koa type of wood, which is native to Hawaii. It has a beautiful grain and gives a beautiful warm tone and sound when played. This type of wood is usually used for the higher end ukuleles.

Mahogany – This wood is used for the middle of the road, less expensive ukuleles. It gives a softer sound than ukuleles made from koa wood.

Spruce – This wood is the most common for lower-end ukuleles for beginners. It is a soft wood, but can give a crisp and vibrant tone.

Play the instrument you are going to buy
Always play whatever instrument you are going to buy before making the purchase. All types of wood are different, which means every ukulele is different. Pick the one that feels good to you.

Top selling beginner ukulele brands

Cordoba

Mitchell

Kala

Luna

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